QX3 Digital Image GalleryPolarized Light

TNT (trinitrotoluene)

Trinitrotoluene is a nitrated toluene derivative that exists as a crystalline solid at room temperature and melts at 81 degrees centigrade. The chemical is prepared by carefully nitrating toluene, and is often used as a high explosive. Unlike nitroglycerin, trinitrotoluene does not explode when affected by ordinary shocks and jarring, and must be ignited with a detonation cap.

TNT (trinitrotoluene) at 60x Magnification

TNT (trinitrotoluene) at 60x Magnification

TNT (trinitrotoluene) at 60x Magnification

Polarized light images were captured using an Intel Play QX3 computer microscope modified for crossed polarized illumination. Additional light was applied to the specimens using light pipes from a Dolan-Jenner Model 180 fiber optics illuminator containing a 150 watt projection lamp. A 5/16-inch hole was drilled into the light mixing chamber at the base of the microscope and the light pipe was pointed towards the far wall of the chamber to increase illumination.